This year saw the first major production of genetically modified (GM) sugar beets. According to Beet Sugar Development Foundation, GM sugar beets make up 95% of all sugar beets grown in the US. This is one year after Monsanto’s Roundup Ready sugar beet, which has been genetically modified to be resistant to Monsanto’s herbicide marketed as Roundup.

Along with unknown possible health risks that releasing such a large amount of genetically modified food to the public, there is the issue of biodiversity. There is the concern that GM crops will contaminate native species. The danger here is that native species are part of a great balance of biodiversity. There is simply not enough known about the effects of GM foods in terms of human health and nutrition, or in terms of environmental results and impact on biodiversity.

Citizens for Health says on its Web site:

Since half of the granulated sugar in the U.S. comes from sugar beets, the infiltration of GE sugar beets represents a significant alteration of our food supply. Unlike traditional breeding, genetic engineering creates new life forms that would never occur in nature, creating new and unpredictable health and environmental risks.

Under the Bush administration, the USDA approved Monsanto’s genetcially modified sugar beet seed without submitting an Environment Impact Statement (EIS). In January 2008, a lawsuit was filed which demanded that production be stopped on GM sugar beets until a valid EIS was prepared. Under the Obama administration, nothing has changed; the USDA still has not issued an EIS on Monsanto’s sugar beets.

Over 100 companies pledge not to use GM sugar in their products

Food companies and consumers have responded to this influx of GM sugar beets by creating the Non-GM Beet Sugar Registry. Add your food-related company to show your support and pledge to avoid GM beet sugar wherever possible, and to ask sugar beet industry not to introduce GM beet sugar into our food supply. If you know someone with a food-related business ask them to visit the registry above and add their voice to the cause.

Take Action

Since this is already happening, one of the best things we can do is contact government representatives, sugar companies and large candy companies and ask them not to use sugar from genetically modified sugar beets.

Send a Message to the Obama Administration

Let President Obama know how you feel about the FDA’s refusal to issue an EIS, and that you’re opposed to genetically modified foods. Send your feedback to Obama.

Ask Companies Not to Use Sugar from GM Sugar Beets

Some companies such as Hershey have agreed not to use GM sugar. Below are links to customer feedback forms of some of the top sugar and sugar-related companies. Ask that these companies refuse to use sugar from genetically modified sugar beets.

Contact American Crystal Sugar Company -the largest producer of beet sugar. If you have time to do only one thing, take a moment to send a message to American Crystal Sugar Co.

Contact Hershey’s

Contact M&M Mars

If you have some additional ideas for taking action, use the form below to leave a comment.